Yesterday I was forced to take my 2 dogs, Caddy, 9yr old lab/husky mix and Thai, 5 yr old Aussie to Animal Control to be put to sleep because they got loose and killed a cat. I fell responsible for their death and I feel so very bad. Tonight I have to tell my 11 yr. daughter who loves her dogs more than anything in this world that they gone. She is going to be devastated. I am missing them dearly and don't even want to go home because I know they will not be there to greet me, I can only imagine what this will do to her. So sad.

Thank you so much for the reply's discussions and suggestions. I tried very hard to make it as easy as possible to tell her. I gave her a copy of that wonderful poem, Rainbow Bridge, I asked all her family to be present and we broke the news, I felt it necessary to tell her the truth. She took it as well as possible and we all had time fighting off and working through the feelings, we all shared a story of a time or two and it was very comforting to have everyone near. I gave her an option to talk to a counselor if she needed and reassured her that everything would be all right.

Sat. she went to the mall and came home with a beta (fish) we call him gill. I spoke with her about not asking permission to do that and we agreed it wouldn't happen again. She said it would be like her own little counselor. She also asked yesterday about getting another dog(s). I said absolutely not. It is bitter sweet for me in the sense that they were/are a huge responsibility and as much as she helped (so to speak) something’s will just be easier this way.

I loved them deeply; they were well-mannered, leash trained, house trained and very loving companions and protectors. The last 3 times they (& only 1) got out (without incident) was because I had just borrowed a shock collar from a friend and was trying it out on the lab/husky mix, she was the only one that would fly like a bat at the first chance, & then the other would follow, but I laughed so hard 2 week ends ago as I stood outside the basement door and tried to coach her outside with this shock collar on, I assumed I was not fast enough pushing the button because each time she was gone, I hopped in my car 3 times pick her up down street (she would come right away and jump in the car). She never was aggressive or ever did anything else wrong but she loved to run.

Need less to say after the 3rd time that day all in about 30 min. I decided the collar probably wasn't working and I wasn't about to test it out. So I set aside to get new batteries.

The other dog (the aussie) would never run away ever, except with the other. But those 2 times they were out together will weigh heavy on my heart forever.

I believe dogs should never roam around especially 2 or more.

My daughter and I will remember them forever. In a ceremony this week in the yard, we will bury ashes (not their ashes, but from my fireplace) all though I won't tell her that. We will plant 2 palm trees in their honor (digging holes for the trees will be suitable and a little ironic) we will put their collars around them, I also bought some gardens stones with sayings on them and when the trees are large enough we will hang a hammock between them (the ties that bind), IT will be our special spot. Thanks again. This has been a truly humbling and enlightening experience. I feel for all that have ever gone though this kind of loss and for all yet to come.

There will peace in the end I know...

In memory of Caddy & Thai. 3-11-04

Unfortunately, dogs with prey drive can live peacefully for years besides a cat in the household and still kill them when their prey drive turns on.

Since I own 4 inside house cats along with my dogs, I seperate the two breeds when I'm not at home. It's the only way to be sure of preventing a tragedy.

I take it one step further than Will. I don't let my dogs see the cats if I can help it. Even the Pit who as a puppy cuddled with the cats now wants to chase them.

In response to Drew not letting his Pit even see the cats. Drew, isn't it even more dangerous not to socialize your dog with cats. That's a sure garauntee that the dog will kill a cat if and when he comes into contact with one. Just my experience.

I hate cats.

You know, cat skin would make a nice sleeve cover <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. But there is one thing I do not understand. My dog had killed 2 cats and animal controll came out on the secound one. They never forced me to put him down.Since we live in a state where pets are thought to be kept as possessions these kind of things do not happen. I would wonder how the law is in your State.

The dogs do see the cats, as well as neighborhood cats. I just try to avoid it if possible. I can't control it 100% unless I lock the dogs away in the garage, and that isn't fair to them.

Because of the prey drive, particularly in the Malinois, I choose to keep the temptation at a minimum, for safety reasons. The Pit wants to chase the cats, but he is not agile enough to even get close to them, whereas the Malinois is. I don't even think the Pit would know what to do with a cat if he caught one. Probably he'd lick it to death. The Malinois is the threat not the Pit.

Here is my question and I feel very badly for you I am sorry for you loss. How come it's ok for the cats to be running loose? I mean it happens dogs can get loose. No one wants that to happen but it does. So here are your dogs who by accident get loose and attack a cat. It's natural prey instinct. I guess I do not agree with animal controll and what they decided to do to your dogs. Where I live ALL animals must be contained and that means cats too. Of course I dont condone dogs running at large and killing small animals but this was an unfortunate accident. I could understand if they attacked a human but this was cat. Was this something that had happened before? If this was a one time thing I just don't understand why your dogs had to be put down and your family bare this great loss. Again I am very sorry this happened.